This summer we've fallen into a very good routine. Meet at the boat mid-morning, bundle up for the cold and start the upwind slog to Angel Island. We arrive at Ayala Cove around lunch time, eat either on a mooring or on the Island, enjoy the now-sunny day, and then revel in the out of control broad reach home.
Sunday was no different except that it was. Camille and I planned a father/daughter sail, inviting a good friend of hers whose Dad sailed as well. We now had three competent sailors on board and a very fun day ahead. Camille and her friend had a blast, hiking, steering, yelling ahoy, all the stuff that a 6 year old is supposed to do.
What's unusual about this picture? Where's the Captain? Well, she's sitting right there in the cockpit driving the boat. I took on photography duty thinking it would be a very nice picture of a father/daughter team hiking hard to help our upwind speed. As I centered the viewfinder, I realized that I had Camille in the frame driving the boat. And that she was 100% alone in the cockpit as I leaned wide over the rail for my picture. And, most importantly, she was keeping a perfect course on the wind.
I don't think I'd just turn the boat over to her and go take a nap, but I am so thankful and happy and proud that she can hold a course while I run all over the boat. This has been an incredible summer for sailing; having her learn so much has just been icing on the cake.
Now I need to get her one of those cool Captain's Hats.
4 comments:
Before I get too much grief and reported to Child Protection Services, the windspeed was about 8 knots AND we had a reef in the main. The boat was very controllable in that configuration.
Looks like Camille is ready for 20 kts.
She only knows two knots: the bowline and figure eight. Hell, I'm pretty sure I only know about five or six.
Brava Camille!
I bet she knows more knots than she's letting on. Check her out on the double-slip reef knot.
Post a Comment